For many first-time visitors to Shanghai, the hardest part of the trip isn’t sightseeing—it’s simply arriving and departing the city smoothly.
Shanghai has two major international airports—Pudong International Airport(PVG) & Hongqiao International Airport(SHA), and choosing the right one can have a significant impact on:
- Your arrival experience
- Connections to other Chinese cities
- How stressful (or relaxed) your first day feels
This guide will help you understand:
- Which airport is right for you: PVG or SHA
- How to transfer smoothly between flights and high-speed trains
- How to avoid common mistakes for first-time visitors
Part 1: Shanghai’s Two Major Airports — Which One Should You Choose?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The Traditional International Gateway
Location
Southeast Shanghai, about 30 km from the city center
Best for
- Long-haul international flights— to Europe, North America, and other intercontinental destinations
- Major international airlines — Air China, China Eastern, and many others
What to Expect
- Large, modern terminals with long walking distances
- Busy arrival halls during peak international flight hours
- Clear signage, but immigration lines can be long at times
Getting to the City
- Taxis and private transfers are widely available.
- Direct access to Metro Line 2 (Pudong Airport Station)
Summary摘要
If you’re flying internationally or arriving late at night, Pudong Airport is the most convenient choice.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Best for Domestic Flights and Shorter Journeys
Location
West Shanghai, about 13 km from the city center
Best for
- Domestic flights— traveling to cities within China
- Primarily domestic airlines — China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and many others
What to Expect
- A smaller, more compact airport focused mainly on domestic flights
- Closer to the city, making transfers quicker and less tiring
- Easy to navigate with shorter walking distances and a calmer atmosphere
- Convenient transport links, including direct subway access and an on-site high-speed rail station
Summary
If you’re flying domestically or arriving during the day, Hongqiao Airport is the more convenient option, especially for quick access to the city.
PVG vs SHA — Quick Comparison
| Travel Need | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Long-haul international flight | PVG |
| Daytime domestic flight | SHA |
| Late-night arrival | PVG |
| Domestic flight + high-speed rail transfer | SHA |
Key Rule: check the airport code on your ticket
- PVG = Pudong Airport
- SHA = Hongqiao Airport
These two airports are quite far apart, and they are not interchangeable.
Part 2: Shanghai Airport to High-Speed Rail Transfer Guide
Many visitors to Shanghai don’t just stay in the city but continue on to other destinations like Beijing, Hangzhou, or Xi’an.
The choice of airport can significantly affect your transfer between the airport and the high-speed rail system.
Hongqiao Airport: The Easiest Flight-to-Train Transfer
- Hongqiao Airport has a high-speed rail station right inside the airport
- You can land, follow signs, and walk directly to the train platforms
- No city transfer is required
Best for:
- Multi-city itineraries
- Travelers flying into Shanghai and leaving by train
- Those with luggage who want minimal transfers
In short:
If you plan to combine flying + high-speed rail, Hongqiao Airport is by far the easiest option in Shanghai.
Pudong Airport: Transfer via the City
- Pudong Airport does not have a high-speed rail station
- To catch a train, you will need to first travel into the city by:
- Airport Express train
- Taxi or private transfer
- Subway
Important:
- Allow extra buffer time
- Best suited for travelers staying overnight in Shanghai before continuing
Tips:
If you arrive at PVG and plan to take a train the same day, avoid tight connections.
Part 3: Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Timing Awareness
- Flight boarding gates often close 30–40 minutes before takeoff
- Airports and stations are large—make sure you have enough time
Tickets & Travel Dates
- Always carry your passport (required for flights and trains)
- Avoid peak travel periods
- Labor Day (early May)
- National Day (early October)
- Summer vacation (June to August)
Airport Facilities
Both Airports Offer:
- 24/7 Professional Services
- Clear electronic departure screens
- English signage to help you navigate
- Free drinking water (both hot and cold)
- Restrooms throughout terminals
- Cafés, food courts, and convenience stores
- Elevators, escalators, and staffed service desks
- Cultural Display Spaces
If you’re unsure, ask staff for help—English assistance is generally available.
Shanghai Airports: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which airport is closer to downtown Shanghai?
A: Hongqiao Airport is closer (about 30 minutes by car). Pudong Airport is about 1 hour from downtown.
Q: Is luggage storage available at the airports?
A: Yes, both airports offer luggage storage services charged by the hour or day. Prices range from CNY 20 to CNY 60 depending on luggage size and storage duration. Please check on-site for exact rates.
Q: How to transfer between Pudong and Hongqiao airports?
A: Private transfer service is available (approx. 1 hour). You can also take Metro Line 2 (approx. 90 minutes) or the airport shuttle bus (approx. 60 minutes). Allow plenty of time as travel times may vary.
Q: How to get to the satellite hall at Pudong Airport? how long does it take?
A: After check-in and security, follow signs for “Satellite Hall” or “S1/S2” to the internal automated people mover (APM) station. Take the free airport train (approx. 3–5 minutes, running 24/7, every 5 minutes during peak hours). The train stops at S1 (international) or S2 (domestic). After exiting, walk to your gate—allow 10–15 minutes to the furthest gates.
Q: What food recommendations are there at the airports?
A: Both airports offer Chinese and Western options, and also have 24-hour convenience stores for drinks and snacks.
- Pudong: “Nan Xiao Guan” for local-style soup dumplings, “Din Tai Fung” for steamed buns, “Starbucks Reserve.”
- Hongqiao: “Old Shanghai Snacks” for pan-fried buns, “Godiva” chocolates, “Blue Frog” for Western casual dining.
Q: What souvenirs or special products are worth buying?
A: Both airports offer a variety of choices.
- Disney-themed items: Disney stores in Pudong T2 and Hongqiao T2 sell exclusive Shanghai Disney toys and apparel at park prices.
- Chinese souvenirs: Silk scarves, tea, Chinese-style products, Shanghai scenery postcards, etc.
Nearby Attractions of Shanghai Airports
- Near Pudong Airport: Shanghai Disney Resort, Florentia Village (outlet shopping).
- Near Hongqiao Airport: Hongqiao World shopping mall, Shanghai Zoo, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Qingpu.
Shanghai Airport Guide for First-Time Visitors
Choosing the right airport in Shanghai—and understanding how it connects to high-speed rail—can dramatically improve your travel experience.
Once you know:
- Which airport you’re flying into
- Whether you’ll transfer to another city
- How much buffer time you need
Entering and leaving Shanghai becomes calm, predictable, and stress-free.
If you’d like help planning airport arrival, onward rail connections, and city travel as one smooth journey, we’re happy to help design a clear, time-efficient Shanghai travel plan for you.— A Simple Guide for First-Time Visitors.
